The children, aged five to 11, had a go at everything from break-dancing to Bollywood as normal lessons were suspended at West Jesmond Primary School, Newcastle.

The international theme of the World Cup was interpreted through a series of classes and demonstrations of dance from around the world, including flamenco, jazz, cheerleading, African drumming and Greek dancing.

Isabel Rowland, 11, was a fan of all the events.

She said: “It was fascinating to find out about different dances around the world.”

Alex Clarke, 11, described the week as being “absolutely fabulous”, with his favourite lesson a 1950s themed dance taught by Dance City.

Deborah Hainsworth, 52, the school’s community arts co-ordinator said: “The starting point for this festival was the World Cup and the huge international community within the school.

“It has been a great success and we will definitely be looking to do something like this again.”

With more than a third of pupils coming from overseas – across six continents – the international flavour of the festival was guaranteed.

Teachers were able to take a back seat as parents, professionals and ex-pupils were called in from around the country to teach. Parent Katerina Tsitsou took the morning off to teach seven to eight-year-olds Greek dancing.

Flamenco and Tango professionals Paco Bethencourt-llobet, 33, and Maria Maragaki, 34, from Newcastle Music Services, were full of praise.

Paco said: “The school’s dance week was a great idea.

“We work in many schools and this one is amazing, the kids are so well-behaved. This is a great opportunity for the kids to see and experience dance from around the world.”

While the lessons were varied throughout the week, every morning kicked off with a session of Tai Chi, with parents, children and teachers limbering up side by side in the playground.

Class teacher Sarah, 48 said: “It has been great with the whole school out in the yard together. It’s just fabulous.”

To give the kids’ dancing shoes a break, football lessons and games ran throughout the week.

This is the school’s first ever dance festival, and the teachers said they were exhausted but extremely happy with the week’s events.